15.05.2025, Coral exhibition

Colourful biodiversity is not only found on land, but also in the water. The International Maritime Museum in Hamburg is currently dedicating an entire special exhibition to corals and is also showing exhibits from our treasure troves. One highlight is corals that have been created using delicate handiwork, such as the "Baden-Baden Satellite Reef" exhibit, which was crocheted by thousands of people. The LIB is not only a cooperation partner, but also provides visitors with our concentrated biological knowledge about corals on information boards. Anyone interested can immerse themselves in the marine world at the Maritime Museum until 10 August 2025.

Which animal species are corals related to? How do these impressive shapes and colours come about? What role exactly do they play in marine ecosystems? Visitors to the special exhibition "Corals - a play of colours in art and science" will find the answers: the expertise of our researchers has been incorporated into this exhibition cooperation with the International Maritime Museum, where it is combined with artistic representations of these fascinating life forms.

The central exhibit is the "Baden-Baden Satellite Reef", a coral reef crocheted by thousands of people, which is part of the worldwide Crochet Coral Reef project by Christine Wertheim and Margaret Wertheim from the Institute of Fine Arts. Originally created at the Frieder Burda Museum in Germany, it is a monumental example of the power of collective action and a work of art that offers an aesthetic and collaborative perspective on environmental challenges.

A visit is the only way to experience the huge dimensions of the reefs and to appreciate all facets of the exhibition. In addition to the impressive visual impressions, the exhibition also conveys specialised knowledge compiled by experts from the LIB. In addition to historical scientific drawings, there are also pieces of jewellery made from corals and confiscated by customs, as well as prepared specimens from our wet and dry collections.

Of course, we also shed light on the darker side: The threat posed by climate change and mass tourism is causing many reefs to shrink or die out completely. Even the best-known reefs, such as the Great Barrier Reef, are acutely threatened by marine pollution. The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of these creatures and learn how we can preserve them for future generations.

Many of the exhibits are only accessible to the public as part of the special exhibition. They come from the Invertebrate Collection, the Geosciences Collection and the Biocultural Collection of the Museum der Natur Hamburg. If you would like to visit, you can find "Corals - Play of Colours in Art and Science" in the Maritime Museum on Deck 1 of Kaispeicher B in HafenCity. A single ticket costs from €13.

Further information can also be found here.